KY Governor Appoints Physical Therapist to Health Exchange Board

On September 18, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear appointed Connie Hauser, PT, DPT, ATC, to the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange Advisory Board. The 19-member Health Exchange Board will review program and policy issues and make recommendations for Kentucky’s new marketplace for health insurance mandated by the federal Affordable Care Act.

"We need the insight and experience of a variety of Kentuckians to ensure that the Exchange not only meets the requirements of the law, but also meets the needs of Kentuckians who will be looking for affordable health insurance," said Beshear.

The Kentucky Chapter nominated Hauser to Governor Beshear because of her knowledge and understanding of health care and payment policy, and her experience as a clinician. Hauser, a private practice practitioner, previously served as Kentucky Chapter president, 2 terms on the APTA Board of Directors, and 1 term as APTA treasurer. Hauser also served as chair of APTA's Public Policy Committee (previously known as the Government Affairs Committee).

The primary purpose of the state-based health exchanges is to enhance competition in the health insurance market, improve consumers’ choice of affordable health insurance, and give small businesses the same purchasing clout as large businesses. The Kentucky Health Exchange will facilitate the purchase and sale of health plans in the individual market, assist small employers in facilitating the enrollment of their employees in health plans, and provide 1-stop shopping by helping individuals enroll in health plans. The exchange also will enable individuals to receive premium tax credits and premium subsidies, and qualify small businesses for tax credits. For additional information on state health insurance exchanges, visit APTA's website.